a certain
idiom
1
—used to refer to a quality that is noticed but that is difficult to explain or describe
She has a certain elegance about her.
The house has a certain charm.
2
formal
—used with the name of a person one does not know
In 1889, a certain Mr. Kelly made a large donation to the church.
Examples of a certain in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Faultlessly subdued bespoke tailoring, and his grosgrain lapel broadcasts a certain seniority.
—
Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Cinema often requires a certain suspension of disbelief.
—Tomris Laffly, Variety, 16 Sep. 2025
Those plans tie a borrower’s monthly bill to their income and lead to debt cancellation after a certain period.
—Annie Nova, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
If your patio or backyard lacks a certain aesthetic appeal, consider giving it a revamp with a new set of outdoor furniture.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 16 Sep. 2025
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Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Cinema often requires a certain suspension of disbelief.
—Tomris Laffly, Variety, 16 Sep. 2025
Those plans tie a borrower’s monthly bill to their income and lead to debt cancellation after a certain period.
—Annie Nova, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
If your patio or backyard lacks a certain aesthetic appeal, consider giving it a revamp with a new set of outdoor furniture.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for a certain
Cite this Entry
“A certain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20certain. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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